How to do wet cleaning with Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner: a step-by-step guide

Modern cleaning devices have gone a long way from simple β€œdeaf” boxes, chaotically beating against walls, to intelligent systems that can plan their own route and keep the house clean. Wet cleaning by a Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner has become the standard of quality for millions of users who value their time and comfort. However, many owners still use gadgets only 30% of their capabilities, limiting themselves to dry cleaning carpets, although the functionality of the models allows you to maintain perfect hard coating hygiene.

In this article, we will take a look at the entire process of preparing and launching floor washing, paying attention to the nuances that are often overlooked by beginners. You will learn how to properly prepare the Mi Home App, choose the optimal water supply level and avoid common errors that can damage the flooring or the device itself.

Before you start setting up, it's important to understand that not all models are the same. Some devices, such as the Xiaomi Vacuum-Mop P series or the flagship Xiaomi Robot Vacuum X10+, are equipped with automatic carpet lifting and water dosing, whereas the simpler versions require manual adjustment. It's critical to check your model's compatibility with an interactive water tank before you start operating, since using non-original containers can lead to leaks. Let's break down all the stages of preparation for the first run.

Preparation of a robot vacuum cleaner and choice of accessories

The first step to a perfectly clean floor is to get the device right. Standard delivery usually includes the main module, dry garbage container and optionally a wet cleaning compartment. If your model uses a 2-in-1 combined container, make sure it is installed correctly and the latches are triggered before the characteristic click. In models with separate tanks, you need to physically replace the dust container with a water tank before starting the wash cycle.

Special attention should be paid to the cloth (cloth). Using ordinary rags can lead to uneven distribution of moisture and the appearance of divorces. Xiaomi’s original microfibre wipes are designed with the texture of the platform and the density of the floor. Before installation, the fabric must be wet and squeezed carefully, or use a special attachment system, if it is provided by the design of your model.

⚠️ Warning: Never run a dry cloth robot at maximum water supply power, which will result in puddle formation and possible fluid leakage into the electronic components of the device.

It's also worth checking the condition of the brushes and filters, and while the main task right now is washing, the dust in the HEPA filter can turn into dirty gruel when wet, which will worsen traction and smell in the room. Simple prevention takes a couple of minutes, but significantly prolongs the life of a smart assistant.

β˜‘οΈ Pre-launch checks

Done: 0 / 4

Setup of the Mi Home application and connection

All of Xiaomi’s smart appliances are managed through the Mi Home ecosystem. To start wet cleaning, make sure the app is added to the app and tied to your account. Go to the device card and find the section that handles the cleaning options. This is where the key settings that distinguish a regular ride from a quality wash are hidden.

In the application interface, you need to select the mode of operation. The options are usually "Quiet", "Standard", "Turbo" and "Maximum". For wet cleaning, the optimal choice is often "Standard" or "Quiet" mode, since they provide a more uniform distribution of water over the surface. The high speed of rotation of brushes in turbo mode can splash water, leaving stains on furniture or plinths.

Be sure to adjust the water supply level. Depending on the type of flooring (laminate, tiles, linoleum), the humidification intensity should vary. For sensitive laminate, a minimum level is recommended, whereas for porcelain porcelain, you can set average values. The application allows you to save these preferences for different rooms, if you have a detailed map of the room.

  • πŸ“± Open the Mi Home app and select your robot vacuum cleaner.
  • πŸ’§ Go to the cleaning settings and select the water supply level (Low/Medium/High).
  • πŸ—ΊοΈ Make sure you have an up-to-date map of the room for navigation.
  • πŸ”‹ Check that the battery charge is at least 20-30% start-up.

If you use advanced map-building models, it makes sense to create virtual walls or no-go zones, and this is especially true for wet cleaning, to prevent the robot from getting on long-pile carpets or in places where wires and small objects that are afraid of moisture are scattered.

πŸ’‘

To achieve the perfect result without divorce, add a small amount of floor washing specially designed for robotic systems to the water tank. Conventional detergents can create excess foam.

Tank filling and solution preparation

The quality of cleaning depends on the quality of the water used. Hard tap water contains calcium and magnesium salts, which over time form scale inside the pump and on the heating elements (if any), and also leave whitish plaque on the floor after drying. For maximum life of the robot washer, it is recommended to use filtered or distilled water.

The refueling process is simple, but it requires care. Remove the tank from the device, open the rubber plug and pour the liquid to the MAX mark. Under no circumstances do not pour water above this level, because when you install the tank inside the case, excess liquid can immediately result in electronic contacts. After filling, close the valve tightly.

Some users are experimenting with adding disinfectants. This is acceptable, but only if you use specialized concentrates with low foaming. Aggressive chemicals such as chlorine or bleach can damage plastic tubes and rubber seals, which will depressurize the water supply system.

Type of coatingRecommended water levelFrequency of napkin replacementFeatures
Laminate/ParketLow (Low)Every 15-20 m2Avoid excess moisture
Ceramic tileMedium (Medium)Every 30-40 m2We can use special tools.
Linoleum/PVCMedium/HighEvery 25-35 m2Cleansing up pollution well
Stone/GraniteTall (High)Every 40-50 m2It requires a thorough drying.

Once the full tank is put back into the robot, the system automatically conducts a self-diagnosis, and you'll hear the pump's signature sound, which signals you're ready to go. If the light flashes red, check the closing density of the tank lid.

πŸ“Š What type of flooring you have at home?
Laminate/Parket/Tile/Linoleum/Combined

Starting cleaning and monitoring the process

When all are done, you can start the process, and you can do this with a voice command (if you have a smart home connected), a button on the device body, and through the app, and the most informative way is to run through Mi Home, which displays real-time progress, current mode and the rest of the water in the tank.

While working, the robot will spiral or zigzag, depending on the algorithm chosen and the map being constructed. It is important to keep an eye on the first minutes of operation, especially if you are changing the type of coating or water supply level for the first time. Make sure that there are no puddles left behind the robot, and the wet footprint disappears evenly after 1-2 minutes.

If you notice that the device is stuck or entangled in wires, it will sound and send a notification to the smartphone. Modern models are equipped with sensors for elevation and obstacle drops, but thin black wires or transparent glass doors can become a trap for them, in such cases, it is better to remove potential hazards from the floor in advance.

⚠️ Warning: Do not lift or carry the robot vacuum cleaner while performing a wet cleaning task.This can bring down the navigation system and cause the device to lose orientation on the map.

The cycle duration depends on the area of the room and the selected power. On average, a full run of an apartment of 50-60 square meters takes about 60-90 minutes. If the battery comes to an end, the smart gadget will return to the base on its own to recharge and, with the presence of the function of continuing cleaning, finish what it started.

Post-cleaning maintenance and system care

The end of the cleaning cycle is not the end of the procedure, it's the beginning of the maintenance phase. The water left in the tank stagnates over time, bacteria multiply, unpleasant odors appear, and mucus forms on the walls. So rule number one: drain the remaining water after each use.

Remove the tank, pour the liquid out and rinse it with clean water. Pay special attention to the filter at the entrance to the pump (if you have one in your model) - it must be periodically washed under the tap to avoid blockages. The rag itself also requires care: after washing it should be removed, rinsed, dried and only then used again.

Check the condition of the wheels and sensors regularly. Wet cleaning means that the wheels can get wet and collect fine dust, turning into mud lumps. Rubbing the wheels with dry cloth once a week will prevent the appearance of traces on the floor during dry cleaning in the future.

How often do you need to change your bills?
Microfiber wipes are recommended to be changed every 3-6 months of active use. Fine cleaning filters (HEPA) for wet cleaning serve less - about 2-3 months, as humidity accelerates their wear.

Solving typical problems and malfunctions

Even the most reliable devices sometimes run into problems. One of the common complaints is that the robot stopped supplying water, most often due to clogging of the exit hole or an air traffic jam in the system, try several times pressing the water supply button (if any), or running the wash cycle with the elevated device (with caution) to pump the system.

Another common problem is the appearance of divorces, which can be caused by too high a water supply, a dirty cloth, or the use of an inappropriate detergent, and divorces often occur if the robot moves too fast for the selected hydration intensity. Try slowing down the speed in the application settings.

If the device makes strange noises or vibrates, check if the hair or threads are wound on the brushes. The moist environment makes the contamination more sticky, so you need to clean the main shaft more often than dry cleaning. Use scissors or a special tool from the hair removal kit.

  • 🚫 Problem: The floor is in the pool. Solution: Reduce the water level in the app, check the integrity of the tank.
  • 🚫 Problem: Robot skips the spaces. Solution: Clean the sensors, rebuild the map of the room.
  • 🚫 Problem: Bad smell. Solution: Rinse the citric acid tank, replace the cloth.

⚠️ Warning: If you notice water leaking from the bottom of the case (not from the tank), immediately stop using and take the device to a service center.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you wash carpets with a Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner with a wet cleaning function?
Most standard models are not designed to wash carpets. When installing a water tank, they either skirt the carpets (if there is a recognition feature) or wet them, which can damage the coating and the robot itself. Only flagship models with automatic lifting of the washing platform (for example, the X10+ series or X20+) can safely enter the carpets, lifting the rag up.
How often should I change the water in the tank?
The water needs to be changed before each new cleaning, and the remaining water is the perfect environment for bacteria to grow and mold to form inside the tube system, and if you don't plan to clean in the coming days, it's best to keep the tank empty and dry.
Why does the robot leave dry stripes in the middle of a wet trail?
This may indicate that the cloth is not evenly attached to the floor, check whether the napkin is properly attached to the platform Velcro, and also the cause may be wear and tear of the cloth itself, or insufficient water level in the tank when the pump begins to capture air.
Is it safe to use chlorine-containing products?
It's highly discouraged, chlorine is aggressive against rubber seals, plastic tubes and a pump, and it will cause the water supply system to fail quickly, and only use neutrals or special concentrates for robotic washing systems.
What to do if a robot vacuum cleaner is stuck under the sofa during washing?
Modern models have height sensors and should not get stuck under low furniture. If this happens, check the height of the clearance. To extract the device, take it by the top of the case, put it on the base and clean the wheels of dirt that it may have picked up under the furniture.

πŸ’‘

Regular maintenance and use of the right chemistry is the key to a long service of the wet cleaning system of your robot vacuum cleaner.